The BAFTA TV Awards 2025 are lighting up London’s Royal Festival Hall tonight, May 11, 2025, and the buzz is electric. Just hours ago, Jessica Gunning snagged the Best Supporting Actress award for her chilling role as Martha in Baby Reindeer, setting the stage for a night of surprises. Meanwhile, Mr Bates vs The Post Office has already secured the Limited Drama award and a special recognition for its real-world impact, sparking a public inquiry that overturned over 100 wrongful convictions. Hosted by the mischievous Alan Cumming, this year’s ceremony promises glitz, drama, and a celebration of British TV’s finest. From red carpet glamour to fierce competition among nominees like Slow Horses and Shōgun, here’s your front-row seat to the action.
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BAFTA TV Awards 2025: Red Carpet Rundown
The Southbank Centre’s red carpet was a fashion parade before the ceremony kicked off at 5 p.m. BST. Billie Piper turned heads in a sleek black gown, while David Tennant kept it dapper in a classic tux. Maura Higgins made jaws drop by reworking her 2022 wedding gown into a stunning backless number, a sustainable choice that screamed elegance. Jessie J rocked a burgundy power suit, and Laura Whitmore channeled tuxedo chic in a black-and-white jumpsuit. Comedians Suzi Ruffell and Tom Allen hosted the red carpet stream, dishing out witty banter as stars like Danny Dyer and Emily Atack arrived. Want to catch the glamour? The red carpet replay is live on BAFTA’s YouTube channel.
- Standout Looks:
- Maura Higgins: Reworked wedding gown, backless and bold.
- Jessie J: Oversized burgundy suit with a tie.
- Billie Piper: Timeless black gown with subtle sparkle.
How to Watch the BAFTA TV Awards 2025
Don’t miss a second of the action! The ceremony isn’t live on TV, but an edited version airs at 7 p.m. BST on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. For international fans, BritBox streams it on-demand in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the Nordics. In Australia, tune into Foxtel; New Zealanders can watch on Sky Arts. Across Africa and the Middle East, AlThaqafeya and MBC Channels have you covered. If you’re abroad, a VPN can unlock your usual stream—check Tom’s Guide for setup tips. Can’t watch live? Follow real-time updates on BAFTA’s X account or catch winner announcements on Deadline and Variety.
Nominees and Early Winners
This year’s nominees reflect British TV’s diversity, from Baby Reindeer’s raw storytelling to Shōgun’s epic sweep. Mr Bates vs The Post Office leads with six nominations, followed by Rivals and Slow Horses. The public-voted P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award pits moments like Chris McCausland’s Strictly waltz against Rivals’ naked tennis scene. Early wins include Baby Reindeer’s Jessica Gunning and Mr Bates for Limited Drama. Kirsty Wark also received the BAFTA Fellowship for her decades-long journalism career. With 21 first-time nominees, including Anjana Vasan and Bilal Hasna, fresh talent is stealing the spotlight.
| Category | Notable Nominees |
|---|---|
| Leading Actor | David Tennant (Rivals), Gary Oldman (Slow Horses) |
| Supporting Actress | Katherine Parkinson (Rivals), Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer) |
| Limited Drama | Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Baby Reindeer |
BAFTA TV Awards 2025: What’s Next?
As the ceremony unfolds, all eyes are on the major categories. Will Baby Reindeer sweep after its Craft Awards success? Can Shōgun add a BAFTA to its Golden Globe? Alan Cumming’s hosting gig is already sparking chatter—his playful vibe (and Traitors fame) is a shift from last year’s Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan duo. Live music from Jessie J and Tom Grennan will keep the energy high. But whispers of controversy linger: some predict Cumming’s past OBE stance might stir debate, though fans are focused on his charm. Stay glued for the next winners—posts on X suggest Slow Horses could snag a big one.
Why This Year’s BAFT-As Matter
Beyond the glitz, the BAFTA TV Awards 2025 highlight TV’s power to shape culture. Mr Bates vs The Post Office didn’t just win awards; it changed lives by exposing the Horizon IT scandal. Baby Reindeer sparked tough conversations about trauma and obsession. Even snubs, like Strictly Come Dancing missing the Entertainment category, fuel debate about evolving viewer tastes. With terrestrial ratings dipping and streamers like Netflix dominating, these awards remind us why storytelling matters. So, grab your popcorn, refresh your X feed, and join the global watch party. Who’ll take home the iconic BAFTA mask next? The night’s still young, and the drama’s just begun.